More Articles | WI LGBTQ History Project

News Articles:

October 13, 2025

Thank you for bringing the rainbows home!

We'd like to recognize everyone who made the Walker's Point Rainbow Crosswalks possible.

October 06, 2025

Meet our new Archives Committee

Community of statewide experts will guide the future of our acquisitions, collections, and exhibits

October 01, 2025

"Beacons of the Bay" honors our living LGBTQ elders

Northeastern Wisconsin exhibit celebrates the connective power of history and heritage

October 01, 2025

Explore over 550 historic LGBTQ sites -- from anywhere!

Our new PLACES site chronicles queer spaces throughout Wisconsin history.

September 22, 2025

2nd Annual BLAQtoberfest returns October 3

BlaQtoberfest is a three-day, multi-venue celebration that centers culture, wellness, and health equity for Black and Brown queer communities in Milwaukee.

September 22, 2025

BE SEEN Monday, October 6 in Walker's Point!

We're bringing rainbow crosswalks to 2nd and National -- and you're invited to a happy hour community celebration!

September 15, 2025

Wisconsin readers get a taste of "Dining Out"

Author Erik Piepenburg brings his book tour to Green Bay and Madison this October -- and you're invited!

August 01, 2025

New York City exhibit celebrates the courage of Les Petites Bon Bons

We're proud to honor the legacy of Les Petites Bon Bons at the 2025 Printed Matter Art Book Fair September 11-14.

August 01, 2025

Start seeing rainbows!

The City of Milwaukee has approved our rainbow crosswalks proposal in Walker's Point.

July 11, 2025

We're proud to support Circa: Queer Histories Festival

Circa, presented by ONE Institute, is the first and only queer histories festival in the USA.

July 08, 2025

Honoring Jewel-Thais Williams (1939-2025)

Today, we celebrate the Mother of Gay Los Angeles for a lifetime of service.

July 07, 2025

Join us at the PastForward Conference Sept. 16-18!

We're proud to celebrate 75 years of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

June 30, 2025

Pride Month may be over, but now the real work begins

We're launching three summer initiatives to amplify LGBTQ voice and visibility.

June 26, 2025

Milwaukee County honors the History Project for 30+ years of service

On Thursday, June 26, we were among eight 2025 honorees recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.

June 02, 2025

Celebrating our 2025 BeSeen Award winners

Five Wisconsin trailblazers honored for 200+ years of community service

May 19, 2025

"Living, Not Just Surviving" honors Cass Marie Domino

Art exhibition runs June 2 - September 12 at the Wisconsin Union

May 13, 2025

State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner Joins Our Board

Wisconsin leader will guide nonprofit's next chapter of community service

May 12, 2025

Join us on the road trip of the year

The Summer to Be Seen Tour kicks off on Friday, June 6 in Green Bay.

May 12, 2025

Summer to Be Seen Tour amplifies LGBTQ voices

Project tour celebrates hometown pride and statewide heritage

April 28, 2025

History Project shatters winter fundraising goals

Statewide call to action generates $10,000 for local LGBTQ history

April 01, 2025

Milwaukee celebrates living legend Sharon Dixon

"Old Timers" cabaret show raises $2,600 to support a community elder's next chapter in life

April 01, 2025

What can you do to support inclusive education in Wisconsin?

Join Origins Workshop with Fair Wisconsin and the History Project on Saturday, May 17

March 19, 2025

Celebrating the story of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center

Storytelling collaboration will showcase the Center's heart, history, and heritage.

March 09, 2025

Saying goodbye to This Is It

Wisconsin's oldest gay bar -- and one of the ten oldest in the USA -- closed March 9 after six decades of service.

March 08, 2025

We're making history at Dancing With Our Stars

Dan Terrio joined this year's competition to raise critical funding for local LGBTQ history and heritage.

March 01, 2025

The Legends of Drag are coming to Titletown

Join us Friday, March 28 for a night of rare archival footage, live performances, guest speakers, and more!

March 01, 2025

Pride organizers: complete our Wisconsin Proud Survey

We've set a goal to document, preserve, elevate and celebrate your stories of community activation throughout summer 2025.

February 28, 2025

Celebrating Sharon Dixon: a warrior of women’s history

Join us Sunday, March 30 for an afternoon of sisterhood -- as we proudly celebrate a living legend!

February 03, 2025

"Hearts for History" celebrates love and acceptance

Honor your loved ones -- while helping our community secure a more inclusive future.

January 31, 2025

We proudly celebrate Black History Month

This month, we'll be showcasing the Black changemakers who are making Wisconsin history.

January 21, 2025

Free online workshop supports inclusive Wisconsin educators

Origins, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, will share strategies on teaching LGBTQ history in challenging times.

January 15, 2025

Ricardo Wynn joins our Board of Directors

Visionary new leader will guide the next chapter of nonprofit transformation

January 01, 2025

Forever Young celebrates the connectivity of 21-below nightlife

New book project explores how all-ages clubs shaped LGBTQ identity, community, and society for a generation.

December 16, 2024

The Summer to Be Seen Tour returns in 2025!

We're bringing LGBTQ history and heritage to the hometown streets of Wisconsin. Join the celebration!

November 22, 2024

Celebrate "80 Years of Gay" at Fluid Milwaukee

We're raising money to protect Wisconsin's first LGBTQ historic marker -- at an address that has been a queer destination for eight decades.

August 19, 2024

Visit "Gayborhoods that are Gone!"

We're proud to partner with Historic Milwaukee to bring back this fan-favorite walking tour.

August 19, 2024

You're invited to an Old Fashioned History Party

Do you know an LGBTQ elder with inspiring stories and amazing photos? Do you worry what might happen to that history after they're gone?

August 12, 2024

Don Schwamb retires from History Project leadership

After three decades of service, our founder passes the torch to the next generation.

August 05, 2024

We've heard your concerns

Together, we will create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society where everyone is free to live authentically and without fear.

June 05, 2024

Wisconsin dedicates first LGBTQ historic landmark

The Black Nite Brawl was Wisconsin's first LGBTQ uprising -- eight years before Stonewall -- and triggered a social awakening that changed history forever.

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Blog Articles:

October 13, 2025

Champagne: still high-kicking after 60 years in drag

Champagne Beige, Wisconsin's oldest drag performer, reflects on a sensational six-decade career that propelled her from La Crosse to Las Vegas.

October 03, 2025

Jim Rivett: Green Bay's guardian of social good

Dedicated to community service, social justice, and personal responsibility, Jim transformed his hometown with a legacy of giving back.

October 01, 2025

Lecia Sams: from "Cherry Bomb" to chosen family

Soaring above the challenges of her youth with resilience and strength, Lecia became a champion for her community.

October 01, 2025

Paul "Cricket" Jacob: from the farm to the front lines of the fight

He knew he was gay. He thought he didn't want to be. After a supportive caregiver cured his doubts, Cricket became an unstoppable force for change.

October 01, 2025

Kathy Flores: from preacher's daughter to passionate changemaker

For decades, Kathy has been a voice for the voiceless, including abuse survivors, migrants, and the trans community.

October 01, 2025

Mike Fitzpatrick: five decades of shaping Wisconsin's future

Since the 1980s, Mike's relentless activism has connected us on the dancefloor, in the media, and in the streets.

September 30, 2025

Heather Gautsch: from "Don't Ask Don't Tell" to outspoken activist

Meet Heather Gautsch, a Wisconsin artist, veteran, and force for change in the community.

September 29, 2025

Kevin Perdue: born and raised by queer revolution

Meet Kevin Perdue, who shares how an activist upbringing helped him embrace his bisexual, demisexual, and leather identities.

September 22, 2025

Lilli Petsch-Horvath: finding herself, finding her people

Meet Lilli Petsch-Horvath, who shares how her self-acceptance journey spanned not only decades, but continents.

September 18, 2025

Zach Noland: setting the record not-so-straight

Meet Zach Noland, who explodes myths and misconceptions about the "right" way to be bisexual.

September 15, 2025

Johanna Kaye: unlocking a life without limits

Meet Johanna Kaye, who shares how she moved from isolation to inclusion through self-acceptance.

September 11, 2025

Ken Kinlow: bring your whole self to the table

We're honoring bisexual visibility throughout September and beyond! Meet Ken Kinlow, who shares his journey as a bisexual Black man, husband, and father.

September 08, 2025

Lexy Lunger: self-acceptance is a superpower

We're honoring bisexual visibility throughout September and beyond! Meet Lexy Lunger, who shares how she overcame bisexual stigmas and stereotypes to become her very best self.

September 01, 2025

Evan Kind: leading bisexual acceptance, alliance, and activism

We're honoring bisexual visibility throughout September and beyond! Meet Evan Kind, who shares his journey of self-acceptance, enlightenment, and activation as a community leader.